Curriculum development in aviation meteorology for student pilots

Abstract

Nearly half of all general-aviation crashes are the result of weather hazards. Yet very little emphasis is placed on weather knowledge in most pilot education programmes. The ain1 of this disse1iation is to investigate the Aviation Meteorology curriculum proposed by the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) in February 1997, its' implementation, and the level of achievement in each content area. This is studied tlu·ough interviews, questiom1aires, standard tests and field studies at the European Flight Academy. It attempts to identify which areas of the curriculum need a shift in emphasis and other areas which need to be introduced. The textbook presented with the dissertation is being proposed as a set text for student pilots at the Air Cadet level. It can also be used as a complementary textbook to the set text at the Private Pilot License (PPL) level. This textbook attempts to present a set of effective learning experiences for student pilots irrespective of their intellectual abilities. A list of instructional objectives and content are also presented. Other implications related to curriculum design are being proposed. These can be used to initialise consultation for amendments by the Malta Civil Aviation Depaiiment in accordance with the JAA's Notice of Proposed Amendment procedures.